Your Ultimate Guide to Hidden Airline Fees

In This Airline Travel Article You Will Discover:

Hidden Excess Fees on Popular Airlines

How to Book Smart When Flying in North America

And More!

Fees, fees, fees! Excess airlines fees are, at times, the bane of the 21st century Canadian traveller. What was free in recent memory — checked baggage — is now a commonplace Prix Fixe. But perhaps more confusing than the costs themselves is trying to navigate each respective airline’s fee schedule.

We all know that international flights lavish patrons with free hot meals, wine and complimentary snacks — amenities also often given to Domestic/US First Class flyers — but what about the rest of us back there in Domestic/US Coach? Do you know which airline charges up to $109 per flight for advance seat selection? Do you know which airlines allow unaccompanied minors to fly at no extra charge? Do you know which airlines have done away with complimentary peanuts? And most important of all — do you know which airlines charge $25 for your first checked bag, and which allow you check two for free?

Read on to find the fee breakdowns for Canada’s 11 most popular airlines:

Considering that, in the US alone, airlines earned $2.1 billion from fees in the second quarter of 2010, it seems obvious that airline fees are here to stay. Some airlines are always finding new fees to charge too — such as “Fee Pioneer” Ryanair, in Ireland, which is considering fees for using the restroom or for carry-on baggage.

Seems crazy? Remember: checked baggage fees seemed crazy once, too. In fact, the only thing you can be sure to get free these days is a glass of soda. (Tip: don’t be afraid to ask for the whole can.)

Airline travel, as with everything else, requires diligent consumer watch. In fact, one can take advantage of these fees too. For example: if you won’t require checked baggage, an in-flight snack, advanced seat selection or space for your pet cat — well, these fees won’t really matter to you, will they? You can buy the cheapest fare with confidence. Conversely, if you are shipping your 10-year-old son on his first solo flight, you’ll need to consider that Westjet and Air Transat are the only airlines on our list that will escort him at no extra charge.

The key for you, the traveller, is to consider which excess airline fees may apply to you — and which you can avoid — when comparing the different airline fares online.